Anaplasmosis

What is Anaplasmosis?

Anaplasmosis is a disease caused by the bacteria Anaplasma phagocytophilum, transmitted to humans by tick bites. It is less common than Lyme disease in California but is transmitted by the same tick, the western black-legged tick (Ixodes pacificus). On the east coast of the United States, the tick vector is the deer tick (Ixodes scapularis). It is treatable with antibiotics and rarely fatal. A person who has been bitten by a tick and develops symptoms of Anapslasmosis should see their physician.

How is Anaplasmosis transmitted?

Anaplasmosis is transmitted through the bite of an infected tick.

If I am bitten by a tick, will I get Anaplasmosis?

Anaplasmosis is uncommon in San Mateo County. In 2016, less than 1% of adult western black-legged ticks tested positive for bacteria that cause Anaplasmosis. Checking for ticks after hiking or camping and removing ticks promptly will reduce the risk of acquiring the disease.

What are the signs and symptoms of Anaplasmosis?

Fever

Headache

Muscle pain

Malaise

Chills

Nausea / Abdominal pain

Cough

Confusion

People will rarely develop all symptoms, and symptoms vary from person to person. Symptoms usually develop 1-2 weeks following a tick bite.